Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors| Last updated June 20, 2016

Anyone who watches courtroom dramas on television or at the movies is probably aware that there are many rules and procedures that have to be followed in court. Arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) are no different in that they have their own rules and procedures that must be followed. However, there are many important differences between the rules of litigation and a courtroom, compared to those of arbitration.

Establishing Rules and Procedures in Arbitrations

A contract that includes an agreement to arbitrate disputes typically outlines some key aspects relating to any potential future arbitration. The rules and procedures that will be used in an arbitration are typically part of this agreement. If an outside (third party) service will be used to handle an arbitration, the contract may specify whether that service's already-established rules and procedures will be used. Because of the variety of arbitration services, as well as the flexibility provided to parties to draw up their own rules, there is no single set of rules or procedures that apply to all arbitrations. However, regardless of the rules used, the following are some of the key issues that are typically addressed:

Number of Arbitrators - The parties typically outline in a contract whether one, or a panel of three (3) or more, arbitrators will decide their dispute. As a general rule, the more complicated and significant an issue is, the more likely multiple arbitrators will be involved.

How Arbitrators will be Chosen - Parties can choose to appoint arbitrators in a number of ways, including by agreement, selecting from a list of arbitrators, or via a process of elimination.

Timelines for Arbitration - Rules can establish timelines for resolving a dispute, including when notices are provided, how long hearings last, etc.

Evidence - Rules of evidence can be complex in ordinary litigation. They are typically more relaxed in arbitrations allowing more evidence to be considered, although there can also be less time to present and discover evidence, as well.

Awards - Rules often dictate the form that an award can take, as well as any potential deadlines for decisions.

Confidentiality and Records - Rules may allow parties to keep and receive records of the proceedings, and/or to keep such records entirely confidential.

The Arbitration Process

Arbitrations generally are intended to streamline the process and decrease the costs when compared to resolving a dispute in court. But, as noted above, arbitrations are not all run the same way. With some important exceptions, arbitration is generally thought to be more informal than litigation, and is typically intended to provide a more streamlined, time-saving, and cost-effective method for resolving potential legal disputes.

The beginning of the arbitration process involves one party giving notice to another of their intent to arbitrate a dispute, informing them of the nature and basis for the proceeding. The other party then gets a period of time to respond in writing, indicating whether they agree to resolve this dispute via arbitration. Once it is established that the disagreement will be resolved in an arbitration, the arbitration process itself begins, based on the rules and procedures selected by the parties or specified by contract.

One of the reasons that arbitration is often thought of as quicker and cheaper than litigation is that the paperwork involved in a dispute is cut down sharply when compared to litigation. The procedures for many arbitrations cut down sharply on some of the burdensome and expensive litigation tools collectively known as "discovery". The discovery process is intended to allow for exchanges of documents and evidence between parties in a dispute. However, this can often lead to costly and time-consuming disputes, with mountains of paperwork. The arbitration process usually cuts down significantly on discovery, allowing an arbitrator to take a more active role and possibly curtail excesses.

After this, the process is somewhat similar to a courtroom trial. Parties make arguments before the arbitrator(s), call witnesses, and present evidence to establish and defend their respective cases. The rules for an arbitration hearing may differ from those of a courtroom, however, and opportunities to question or cross-examine witnesses may be more limited. Once the hearing is concluded, an arbitrator or panel is given a certain amount of time in which to consider the decision and make a ruling.

Next Steps

Contact a qualified attorney to represent your interests in the arbitration or mediation of your dispute.